Wow, we all liked this movie, but I was really glad that I was able to prepare my daughter for the part when the monster makes itself look like the boy's father. When watching the movie, it appears that the boy kills his own father. Super scary moment. It's also pretty scary in general when the monster is chasing them around the house. All in all, it was a movie we liked, but it was almost too intense for my 8 year old.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
(2008, Rated PG, Fantasy, Starring Mary-Louise Parker, David Strathairn, Freddie Highmore)Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 33% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 33% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
Have you seen it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Scary and exciting (spoiler)
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
Very good special effects were excellent, but extremely effective in making the creatures scary! I liked the fact that the children learned to trust each other, and eventually Mom trusted in her kids' perception.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
PG for a reason
My 7 year old agreed this movie was "too scary" about 20 minutes in when there is something implied as scary, but invisible, attempting to attack one of the child characters. He isn't usually bothered by this kind of thing, so we were surprised but immediately turned it off and switched to something lighter. I later completed the film- excellent and I highly recommend for fantasy fans, but definitely much too intense for 7 or 8 yrs. I would probably hold off until he has read the book(s?) or even age 11 or 12. Next time I will pay more attention to the "why" of the PG rating; in this case "For scary creature action and violence..." I am also not a big fan of "kids of divorce" themes, and the father in this story let's down the lead child character, but I probably need to simply accept it and then discuss with my child.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
kokoooo
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
A must see for every fantasy lover
- I rate this title off for age 11 and give it
Should have been PG 13!
This movie is not appropriate for young children! Like another reviewer I am shocked that this movie got a PG rating! My friend and I took our sons to a summer showing at our county library and most of the elementary school age and younger children were crying, screaming in fright, or begging their parents to leave. The bloody slicing and exploding violence to adults, children, animals and fantasy characters was over the top PG 13! The twin boy whom is the main character and hero is the one of the worst role models of making good choices and caring about others I have seen in a youth movie based on a popular children's book series. The character doesn't seem to grow and just makes more and more dangerous selfish decisions during the movie that get others killed, tortured or injured.
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great family movie
Great movie but watch it with your kids...it is a little scary but nothing violent or permanently damaging. :)
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Very Good!
Take the time and watch as a family. Kids and adults will enjoy watching, and at least jumping once.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Our sons enjoyed this movie.
We have fairly sensitive 8 year olds so we prepped them by saying there would be lots of fancy special effects in this movie and we'd lean over to restate this during the movie. They really liked the movie though we had them on our laps a few times. We all gasped when the "dad" got stabbed but the green blood tipped us off that all was not what it seemed. We were surprised that there were no nightmares following seeing this movie. It tied things up nicely which is pleasant considering other movies in this genre.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
just o.k.,but i added a little credit for the amazing GGI creatures
has a few funny parts,sweet ending,AMAZING GGI CREATURES.what annoys me about this the most is the GGI creatures are voiced by celeberitys so it may be reginizeable for adults,martin short,nick nolte,ETC.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Today's version of The Goonies
This was a movie that really reminded me of the Goonies when I was a kid. These kids had problems at home and their home life was was going through a change and adjustment. They like the kids in the Goonies end up on thid wild adventure of sorts and in the end they are the heroes. There was a little of action and fantasy involving fantastical creatures but for the most part my 7 year old daughter and 5 year old son loved it. There are moments that might be scary for some but my kids slept through the night after. No one said they were scared or had nightmares after seeing it. It wasn't anymore scary than some of the things on TV and even some in the Harry Potter series. In my opinion this was pretty tame compared to kids are watching these days. Even I as andult was completely entertained! Great for parents and kids to watch together.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
A Great Movie-- But NOT for young kids!
Since we had read all of the Spiderwick Chronicles books, my kids (ages 6 & 8) were looking forward to seeing this movie. It was a very good movie- very well done, with neat special effects. BUT, it was a little too violent & scary for my 6 year old & the 2 younger (!) kids in front of us. The violence to the kids in the movie was a bit disturbing, considering the PG rating, as was the scene where the "dad" is stabbed by his son. The language was mild (I heard 1 "hell", along with other general name-calling). After seeing it, I really don't recommend this for kids younger than 8 or 9-- even if you do think they can "handle" it, they really don't need to see this kind of violence.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Caution!
Took my kids, aged 9 & 12. Great movie, as I am a fantasy fan. My 12 yr old loved it, got into the 'world' and was completely absorbed, not even fazed by the bits of blood and gore, just took it as part of the story. However, the 9 yr old had nightmares that night, and another night three days after seeing. Admittedly a bit of a tender soul, he found the scenes with the goblins too 'shocky' and the chase scene too intense. The fight where the kid stabs the Morgarath when disguised as the kids dad also bothered him. Just to give you some reference, he also didn't like Eragon.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
A lot scarier than anticipated!
From the moment the movie begins be prepared to be scared. The movie is dark and creepy at the beginning and continues through the end. (Reminds me of Batman movies.) However, it was very well done and enjoyable. As an adult I screamed at several of the jump scenes. I am glad I did not take my 9 year old daughter. The movie is also about the relationship among the family and the father's absence. I recommend this movie but would give it a higher rating.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Too intense for young kids
While the story is great and those who have read the books will be okay, the movie is too violent and intense for younger ones. The goblins bite and kick, creatures are burned with acid, and a young boy has many puncture wound in his leg that ooze blood. There is also one very disturbing scene where a boy stabs his "father" (really a creature in disguise) but we don't know it. Not for little kids.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great Family Film - not for the easily scared
I took my 7-year old daughter and she really enjoyed the movie, and admitted that it was scarier than the TV commercials made it seem. It was great to see a movie that I didn't have to worry about any bad language or ill-humor. This movie was well done, yet a lot scarier than I thought it would be. There are multiple scenes in this movie that could give young children nightmares! Please take heed to the rating of "Parental Guidance" suggested!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Good Family Movie
The acting and computer animation were great and it kept us interested all the way through. I would suggest it for kids about 8 and older due to some pretty scary scenes with the villain. My daughter is almost 7 and did get anxious in those parts, however says that she really enjoyed the movie. You may also want to be aware that it deals with divorce/family separation so you can talk to your child about those issues ahead of time if that is a concern for you.
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
overrated flick with a misleading PG rating
We were surprised at the movie's gentle PG rating with so much violence. Two smaller children were taken out of the theatre when scarrier moments of the movie frightened them. Go forewarned. It is an OK movie, but warrants a steeper rating: PG-13
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Good Story - But Different From the Books
This was a good story and was entertaining for both the kids and adults. It was nice not to have any inappropriate language or innuendos. One of ours kids that has read the all of the books was a little bit disappointed in what was left out (although something was going to have to be left out) and what was changed from the books. Although he still enjoyed the movie a great deal. Having not read the books prior to the movie it didn't effect my impression. But I am now reading the books and can already see lots of differences. Don't go into thinking it will be just like the books and enjoy the movie for what it is and you will have a good time.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
GREAT FAMILY MOVIE
It's a wonderful family movie. Because of the monsters, the movie may be scary for younger children. Just the right amount of excitement for children and adults of all ages. Definately a keeper when it comes out on DVD.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
A Great Fantastical Movie Adventure
I took my two kids ages 9 and 6. The movie was way more intensely scary than we had heard. My 6 year old was in my lap the entire movie with a hand ready to cover her eyes. Should have been rated PG-13 for sure. A great movie for 8+ but be ready to be scared.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Too scary for younger kids!
A fantastic movie....thoroughly enjoyable...but not for the easily frightened. My 10 year old loved it but was squirming in his seat during the goblin attack scenes. Definately for children 10 and up!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
"Best movie I've ever seen!" said my 10 yo son
This is a great movie for those like my son who love the fantasy genre... exciting creatures, fast moving story, good relationships without getting sappy, clever handling of issues... made it a fun movie for my son, his 2 friends & for me too! Made us want to start the book series..esp.when he found out there is also a dragon in the book...(not in the movie)!! :))
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Excellent movie. 1 profanity, no sexual content, except for the fact that Jared's parents are divorced.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
pretty good- will encourage reluctant readers
It could have been a lot worse. Within the first two minutes I decided Mallory was way too girly, fortunately I was wrong. Simon's part was much too small, and the ending was awful- awful- the way they handled Arthur Spiderwick (who happened to look uncannily like the illustration in the book) was just terrible. There is a lot of crashing-glass-breaking-walls violence toward the end, but no blood. There were a couple of lines where I laughed out loud ("I'm a pacifist.") and other than that, and the fact that they squashed all the books into one movie and except for one or two scenes decided the fourth book was irrelevant definitely detracted, but it's gotten my younger brother interested in the books and the movie as a whole was done pretty well. Also, the reason Jared knew to stab Mulgarath (I'm trying not to give any spoilers here) is a lot clearer in the movie than it was in the book. The scene in the book could be a little disturbing for a younger reader who didn't really understand it. The fact that the movie contains so much less information than the books do can be seen as an advantage, because it can encourage kids to pick up the books and find out there's a lot more to discover inside them.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Tweens and up.
It was OK but there was some creatures that could scare little kids alot. There was also some bad language and parts younger kids shouldn't see (if you have seen this you know what I'm talking about)
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
A pretty good movie though very violent. I think on for age 10
- I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
For covered my eyes for some parts
a scary movie for kids under 6.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
fantastic!
i thought this would be a little lame for my age, but is was not at all. it stayed very true to the book, and the actors/actresses playing simon, jared and malory were wonderful. the special effects were great, and i loved the fighting scenes. i loved it!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Spiderwick starts out with a angery kid that does not want to move in to a new house. He later finds a book and starts to read. Over the course of the movie the main character starts to realize that his family is very important to him and he tries very hard to save his family.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great Action/Adventrue!
I read these books a few years ago so i sort of forgot a lot of it but when i saw this everything came back! the books are great Pre Harry Potter books. these books are ment for a little bit younger but are still very interesting! the movie turned out very good! i was very impressed! Great family Movie! 8+
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Frightining for younger kids!
The Spiderwick chronicles are a bit scary there are unexpected things, a bit of blood,but it is very funny.For younger kids you might need to cover your kids eyes a couple of times, but in all it is a great movie for kids 8+. Oh did I mention there is a sauce explosion!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Funny and freaky
Not appropriate for kids under 7 because some violence. Big creature was killed.
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
kinda bad
the creaturesbad because the boy and girl have to fight them off.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A great movie for everyone in the family!
There are traits to this movie that would appeal to all audiences and humor senses, especially for those teens/kids who think this movie would be "babyish", as I did before I saw it. Sure, some of it was corny, but that stuff is directed toward the younger kids. I found this movie to be funny and nicely thrilling. It was a nice change from the "ghosts and vampires are ScArY!!!" lameness. Go watch this movie!! It's worth it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Shows A Creative Way of Seeing Morals
-This movie was fantastic. It makes you think about our world today. It definately changes your perspective. I loved it. - Very creative, Freddie Highmore is very adorable and good. Ages 8-9 and up would be good with this movie.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
HORIBLE
I watched this movie the day it came out, and I couldn't stand it. This movie needs to be rated PG-13. It was very grousome!!!! Don't go see it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
It's a Great Movie
There is a little violence and some language but otherwise there is not much innapropriate content. If you like fantasy movies and books you should watch it. It's well worth the money!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
This is a good movie for kids ages 8 and up
The language is iffy. In one seen the main character, Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore) says "what the hell", and many people don't like that language. He, his twin brother Simon (also Freddie), and sister Mallory (Sarah Bolgar) also use name-calling like "idiot, stupid, crazy". I do believe this should be rated PG-13, because in somes seens with Molgarath, the main bad guy, and his followers, the goblins, it gets pretty intense. Human blood and goblin blood are shown. One seen Jared even falls off the roof!The sister Mallory does fencing, and uses her sword to attack the goblins. There is a seen where Jared's dad comes into the house after they defeat the goblins and Jared stabs him, realizing it's actually Molgarath, who can change into any form and saw Jared's dad in a photo Simon had in his possession when the goblins captured him. There is one sexual content where Mallory finally tells her brothers, who didn't know, that their father has "found someone else and moved in with her", but that's minor. I'm 12 years old and I really enjoyed this movie, though my 8-year-old brother was scared in some of the scenes, which is why I think it should be PG-13. It's also is a little bit of a comedy, because their are some funny lines. I thought it was funny when Hogsqueal, the hobgoblin Jared befriends when trying to rescue Simon from Morgarath, spits in their eyes to give them "The Sight" so they don't have to use the Stone, given to Jared by his brownie friend Thimblestack, which they would've had to use. Theres this blue goop, not like normal spit, sort of gross, but I thought it was funny. It's kind of violent, though, how Hogsqueal eats birds whole, another PG-13 reason. The theme of this story is good for kids because it shows how Jared learns to overcome his temper. He used to hit things. Like one time he picked up a huge branch and started hitting his mom's van (talk about a temperamental kid). It also shows how fighting won't help anything, which Jared and Mallory did frequently, until they learned to work together to protect their family, along with Simon, and eventually, in one of the last scenes, the mom. I think this movie would be good for kids 8 and up.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great Movie/ Lots of violence
This was a really good movie, however it scared my 6 year old brother because there was a LOT of violence. The kid stabbed the ogre, but the ogre was in human form so it looked like he stabbed his father, a monster gets ran over, the invisible creatures cut the kids and bloody cuts just appear on them. But it was an awesome movie
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
The series rocks!!!why cant the movie?
My class is reading (well read)the series...it rocks...but the movie is probably nothing like the books
